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Cfte Pan Bieed jFamtlp 

AN ACCOUNT OF ITS ORIGIN, 

AND A RECORD OF THAT BRANCH OF IT REPRESENTED BY 
THE DESCENDANTS OF 


Cuni$ $an Bleecfe 

of IPouglj&eeiwe, JP* 


WITH MISCELLANEOUS MATERIAL. 


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INDEX. 


I. Historical Notes, 5 

Generation I, 5 

Generation II, 7 

Generation III, 20 

II. A Branch of the Van Kleeck 1*ree, . . 29 

I. Barent, 29 

Generation II, 29 

Generation III, 30 

Generation IV, 31 

Generation V, 32 

Generation VI, 32 

Generation VII, 33 

Generation VIII, 36 

III. A List of Van Kleeck Colonial Marriage 

Licenses, . 40 

IV. List of Van Kleecks who took part in the 

Revolutionary War, 42 

V. History of the Van Kleeck House, Pough- 

keepsie, 48 

VI. Copy of Deed of Land Conveyed to Baltus 

Van Kleeck, 55 



Historical Notes* 

ON THE 

First Three Generations 

Of the Van Kleeck Family in America. 


GENERATION I. 

The earliest known ancestor of the Van Kleeck family 
in this country, was Barent Baltus , of Flatbush (for- 
merly called “Midwout ”), L. I. The notes obtainable 
about him are very few, and it is not known when he 
settled at Flatbush. He apparently came there, prior 
to 1659, with his children, married a second wife, Eeg- 
geyn Poulus, and died before Nov. 1659. 

Extract from Court Minutes, Flatbush, Nov. 19, 1659: 

“ Mr. Jacob Peaen, Pltf. 
vs. 

The widow of Baerent Baltus. 

Pltf. Pean demands of the dfdt. the sum of gl. 6-0-0 
for master’s pay. 

Dfdt. admits the indebtedness and promises to pay 
the same within six weeks without fail. 

Court after consideration of the matter orders dfdt. 
to pay the debt within six weeks without fail.” 

(Liber B. p. 13.) 


^Compiled by Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. 


6 


Further extract from Court Minutes, Flatbush : 

April 17, 1660, “ Tyeleman van Vleck, 
by power of Attorney, from the 
heirs of Baerent Baltus, dec. 
vs. 

Isaack Claesen, husband of Eeggeyn 
Poulus, widow of Baerent Baltus, 
dec’d. 

Pltf . demands that df dt. be compelled to put the heirs 
in full possession of the property left by Baerent Bal- 
tus, dec’d, in same manner as Baerent, their father, 
owned it, and agrees, on part of the heirs, to pay first 
the debts of the deceased, and asks that the heirs, after 
payment of the debts of Baerent Baltus, dec’d, shall 
receive the remainder of the property in accordance 
with the provisions made and published by the Noble 
Lords States General. 

Dfdt. agrees, and consents that the fixed property 
and animals be sold to pay the debts contracted by 
Baerent Baltus, dec’d, during his life time, provided the 
heirs release him from all claims or debts contracted by 
said Baerent Baltus during his life time. 

Court, after consideration of the matter, order pltf. 
to sell the property and animals to pay the debts con- 
tracted by .Baerent Baltus, dec’d, during his life time, 
and that the heirs release Isaack Klaessen from all debts 
contracted by said Baerent during his life time. 

(Liber B. p. 21.)” 

This quotation from the Flatbush Court Record (given 
in full) does not name the children of Baerent Baltus 
individually, but it can hardly be questioned that they 
were the same as those given below as Generation II. 
The only other reference to Baerent Baltus is in the 
records of the Brooklyn Dutch church. 


7 


“ March 2, 1661, church accounts, 

“ By legacy of Barent Balde to the 
Poor of Breukelin 50.0.” 


GENERATION II. 

II. Jannetje Barents 2 , probably oldest daughter of 
Barent Baltus 1 , married January 22, 1659, Jan Guist - 
liout Van der linden , van Brussel , she was called u van 
Haerlem. ” 

(See records N. Y. Dutch church, in 
N. Y. Gen. Biog. Rec., Yol. 6 p. 87.) 

Certainly fifteen when married, her birth occurred 
before 1614; probably about 1639. 

A year later, Jan. 18, 1660, her son Johannes 3 was 
baptized, his sponsors were Arent Jeuriansen, “ lands- 
man,” and Catelintje Barents \ 

(See records N. Y. Dutch church.) 

Some time during 1660, she made a voyage to Europe, 
for what purpose, and whether accompanied by her hus- 
band or not, is not known, but Jan. 11, 1661, “ Jannetje 
Barents , widow of Jan Guisthout ” is entered on the 
passenger list of the ship “Golden Eagle” sailing for 
America. Her husband’s death apparently left her 
without resources, for Aug. 16, 1663, she filed a Peti- 
tion for a writ empowering her to surrender all claim 
to her late husband’s estate in favor of his creditors, 
mention being also made of her infant child, 

(Dutch MSS., Albany, Yol. 10, p. 275) 
but Sept. 6, 1663, the creditors waived all claims against 
her. 

(Ibid. Yol. 10, p. 286.) 

Shortly after the settlement of this matter, Oct. 20, 


8 


1663, she married “ Jan Petersen Bosch , van Goestorjp , 
in Gulickerlant .” 

(Records N. Y. Dutch church.) 

In 1686, “Jan Petersen Bosch and Jannetje Barents, 
his wife,” were living on Smith Street, N. Y. City. 

(Memorial Hist., City of N. Y., Yol. 1, p. 451.) 

The will of John Harbardinck of N. Y. City, dated 
Apr. 23, 1722, names “my wife’s sister Jannetje Boss, 
widow of John Pieter son Boss.” 

(N. Y. Wills, Yol. 9. p. 440.) 

The children of Jan Petersen Bosch and Jannetje 
Barents 3 , as baptized in the Dutch church, N. Y. City, 
were : 

8 Peter 3 , bp. Oct. 19, 1664, witnesses: Wm. Abra- 
hamsen and Saertie Barents. 

9 Barent 3 , bp. Jan. 2, 1667, witnesses : Jan Harber- 
ding and Maylcen Barents. 

10 Balthus 3 , bp. Feb. 17, 1669, witnesses : Paulus 
Martensen and Elsie Barents . 

11 Annetje 8 , bp. Oct. 22, 1670, witnesses: Baltus Ba- 
rentsen and Maritje Ten Eyck. 

12 Sara 3 , bp. Nov. 17, 1672, witnesses : Robert San- 
derson and Elsie Barents. 

13 Mayken 3 , bp. Feb. 10, 1675, witnesses : Jan Har- 
berding and Hendrickje Jans: 

14 Balthus 3 , bp. Feb. 6, 1678, witnesses : Peter de 
Riemer and Sara Webbers. 

III. Elsie Barents 3 , probably second daughter of 
Barent Baltus 1 , of Flatbush, married, about 1664-’65, 
Bobert Sanders , who was baptized in the Dutch Church, 
N. Y. City, Nov. 10, 1641. In 1665 Robert Sanders is 
found at Albany, and the inference is that they settled 


9 


there at the time of their marriage. Prior to 1673, four 
daughters were born to them, as is shown by a joint will 
of “ Robert Sanderson,” of Albany, and wife, “Elsie 
Barents,” Apr. 19, 1673, of which the survivor is to be 
executor and which names children, Elizabeth 3 , Marytje 3 , 
Saertje 3 , and Annatje 3 . 

(See Cal. of Wills, pub. by Col. Dames, p. 378.) 

In 1691, Robert Sanders purchased a large tract of 
land in Dutchess County, but it does not appear that he 
ever occupied it himself, 

(Munsell’s Albany, vol. 4, p. 160) 

and not long after he removed to N. Y. City, where in 
1697 he was engaged as a merchant, and in 1698 was 
made freeman. 

(Ibid, p. 352.) 

He made his Will Sept. 21, 1702, in which he 
described himself as “of N. Y. City, merchant,” gave 
‘ ‘ eldest son, Thomas,” 50 shillings, and all the remainder 
of his estate, real and personal, to “ wife Elsie ,’* she to 
will it to their children as she saw fit. The Will was 
proved May 1, 1703. 

(N. Y. Wills, vol. 7, p. 95.) 

The Dutch Bible of Robert and Elsie Sanders, now 
owned by their descendant, Bleecker Sanders of Al- 
bany, records that Elsie Sanders was born Aug. 10, 
1641, and died Dec. 28, 1734. 

The children of Robert Sanders and Elsie Barents 
were : 

15 Elizabeth 3 , b. about 1665/6; (?) d. 1739; m’d about 
1680, Evert Wendell , Jr., of Albany, b. 1660, d. 1702; 
m’d 2d, Dec. 15, 1705, Frederick Ilarmense Visscher. 

(Munsell’s “Albany,” vol. 4, pp. 1840 and 1845.) 


10 


16 Marytje 3 , b. about 1667/8 (?), m’d Nov. 24, 1689, 
Gerrit Hoseboom , of Albany. 

(Ibid, p. 158.) 

17 Saertje 8 , b. about 1669/70 (?), m’d May 4, 1686, 
Ilenricus Greveraad. 

(Ibid, p. 128.) 

18 Annetje 3 , b about 1671/2 (?). 

19 Thomas 3 , settled at Poughkeepsie, m’d before 
1703, Aeltje Santvoort. 

20 Barent 3 , b May 8, 1678, m’d 1704, Maria Wen- 
dell ; d. 1738. 

(Ibid, p. 160 ; also Sanders Bible.) 

21 Elsie 3 , bp. July 13, 1683, buried Dec. 31, 1732. 

(Ibid.) 

22 Amelia 3 (named in Sanders Bible, but no birth 
date given). 

23 Berena 3 (named in Sanders Bible, but no birth date 
given). 

24 A fie 3 (named in Sanders Bible, but no birth date 
given). 

IV. Baltics Barents Van KleecB. 

The first mention to be found of Baltus Barents, — 
supposedly third child and only son of Barent Baltus 
of Flatbush, — is Nov. 25, 1663, at Flatbush, in a Declar- 
ation in which he describes himself as “Baltes Barents, 
bachelor, old 19 years” (thereby fixing his birth date as 
16 hb. ) The substance of this document is as follows : 

“Declaration, Nov. 25, 1663, of Baltes Barents, 
bachelor, old 19 years, here, Midwout, residing, at re- 
quest of Cornelis Jansen, also a young man in this place, 
that he stood — on 18th of past month, being Sunday 
afternoon — on road near Gerrit Cornelis’ and saw said 


11 


N Cornelis Jansen at door of Jan Strycker’s with a gun, 
with which he accidentaly shot and killed Jan Damen’s 
little boy. 

Signed at Midwout, above date, before G. Cloeg, 
Not. Pub.” 

(See Dutch Colonial MSS, Albany, vol. 10, p. 409.) 

After this, he is not heard of again until Oct. 22, 
1670, when he was a witness to the baptism of his niece 
Annetje Bosch*, in N. Y. 

(Records Dutch Church, N. Y.,) 

but he probably continued at Flatbush all these years 
of his early manhood. The next mention of him is Aug. 
22, 1675, when he is on the Flatbush assessment roll as 

“ Baltes Barense — 1 poll — 2 cows— £28.” 

(See Doc. Hist, of N. Y., vol. 4:, pp. 97-99.) 

At this point occurs the first change in his career. 
At Flatbush, in August, 1675, his name is not on the 
assessment roll for September, 1676, and it is very clear 
that, in that year of Aug. ’75-Sept. ’76, he had moved 
away. 

The records of the baptisms of several of his children 
show that his wife was Tryntje (Catryntje — Catherine) 
Jans Buys , a daughter of Jan Buys of Flatbush, and 
the birth dates of the children lead to the conclusion 
that they were married at just this period — 1676. 
Baltus Barents’ 2 after life divides itself naturally into 
three parts, 1676-’82, 1683-’97, 1697-1717. The first of 
these series of years, succeeding his residence at Flat- 
bush, were spent at or near Albany (probably because 
of the presence there of his married sisters Elsie 2 and 
Catelyntje*. This fact is learned from the marriage 
records of his son Barent* , and daughters Sara* and 
Elizabeth 3 , as entered upon the books of the Dutch 


12 


Church at Kingston. Barentf is there said to have been 
“born near Albany ,” and the two daughters to have 
been “born in Albany .” Several indications point to 
“ about 1677 f “about 1679” and u about 168 2” as the 
birth dates of these children, but the church and land 
records at Albany are both silent as to Baltus Barents 3 
and his life there. 

The next definite reference to him is June 21, 1683, 
when the records of the Dutch Church at Bergen, N. J., 
state that a child of his was buried there, and eleven 
days later (July 2, 1683), he and his wife, Tryntje Jans, 
were received by Dominie Henricus Selynes as members 
of the Bergen Church (see church record) so they had 
probably come there but a short time before. Further 
mentions of them on the Bergen Church records will be 
found quoted in the notes upon their children. 

After a thorough search through the old Jersey land 
records, on file at Trenton, Perth Amboy and Hacken- 
sack, and published works upon the same, the following 
notes have been gathered : 

May 12, 1668, a patent for land, in and about the town 
of Bergen, N. J., was given by Philip Carteret to Dirck 
Garretse (Van Dien). 

(See Winfield’s “Land Titles of Hudson Co., N. J.,” 

p. 101). 

A foot note to this record reads as follows : 

“Previous to his death the patentee sold to Baltus 
Barentsen Van Kleek. Gerritse received the money, 
but, before the transfer was completed , he died leaving 
a widow and one son. The widow, Gerten Hoppe, and 
son, Garret Van Dien (then living in Hackensack), 
carried out the sale of Gerritse Oct. 13 , 1686. Van 
Dien confirmed this deed by another, dated Oct. 12, 


13 


1700. Barentsen sold to Andries Preyer, a weaver, 
May 8 , 1697” 

No mention in other deeds, or in the church records, 
is made of the date of Dirck Garrets’ death , prior to 
which of course was the contract with Baltus Barents 2 , 
but it is reasonable to suppose that this transfer — con- 
firmed in 1686 — was made about 1683, the period of 
Baltus’ 2 arrival at Bergen, when he would naturally ac- 
quire land. The land affected by the transaction was in 
three tracts, known as lot No. 49, lot No. 67, and lot 
No. 156, and so marked on the map of the “ Bergen 
Common lands ” in the County Clerk’s office at Hacken- 
sack, N. J., and described thus : lot No. 49, “ being a 
tract of upland , begins at a stake (which stake is the 
southerly corner of a lot in Guert Coertein’s patent, 
marked No. 48) and from said stake runs N., — 56° 20' — 
W., — 29.90, — to a stake in a road ; thence S., — 33° — , 
W. — 10.50. ; along said road to a stake; then S. 54° 50' — , 
E. 30.60, to a stake; thence N. 30° — E. 11.22 to the 
place of beginning, containing %5 acres.” Lot No. 67, 
being apiece of meadow , “ Beginning at a stake stand- 
ing by Hackinsack river (which stake is the northerly 
corner of a lot of upland and meadow in Caspar Stei- 
met’s second patent), and from said stake runs — S. 
54° 10', E. 43.75 — to a stake by the edge of the upland; 
thence N. 52° E. 3.70 — along the edge of the upland to 
a stake; thence N. 54° 10' W. 44.75 — to said Hackinsack 
river; then down along said river to the place of be- 
ginning. Containing 11 1 -2 acres” Lot No. 156, 
being a lot in the town of Bergen, “Beginning at a 
stake standing by a street (which stake is the northerly 
corner of the town lots in Paulus Pieterse’s patent) , and 
from said stake runs — S. 42° E. 2.41 — to a stake; thence 
N. 48°, E. 11.38 — to a stake; thence — N. 42°, W. 2.41 — 


14 


to a stake by the street; thence — S. 48° W. 1.48 — along 
said street to the Beginning; containing 90i sq. rods.” 

These descriptions show that Baltus Barents 2 owned 
3 6i acres of farm land near Bergen, and a lot in the 
village , on which he probably lived with his family. 

He sold this Bergen property May 8, 1697, and a 
month later — June 3, 1697, bought land at Poughkeepsie, 
being called in the deed “Balthazar Yan Cleake of Long 
Rock, in the County of Dutchess.” 

(See p. 55.) 

He was undoubtedly attracted to Dutchess Co. — at that 
time opening for settlement — by the influence of his 
brother-in-law Robert Sanders, who sold him the land, 
and who, in 1691, had bought largely there. 

In 1700 “Baltus Yan Cleet” was captain of a 
Dutchess county company in a militia regiment com- 
posed of men from both Dutchess and Ulster counties. 

(See Doc. Hist, of N. Y., Yol. 1, pp. 329-33.) 

and in 1702 he built the first substantial house in Pough- 
keepsie. When the laying out of the Post Road, from 
“King’s Bridge to a point over against Albany,” was 
authorized by the Colonial Asembly in 1703, he was ap- 
pointed one of the Commissioners for the Dutchess 
county portion of the highway. In 1712 he was “ one 
of His Majesties Justises of the peas.” 

(Record in Clerk’s Office Dutchess Co.) 

The Census of Dutchess county for 171 J gives to 
“Baltus Yan Kleck” 2 the following household : 

( over 60, 1. ( above 60, none. 

males, 1 between 16 and 60, 2.— females, 1 between 16 and 60, 1 
( under 16, 1. ( under 16, none. 

he also is credited with five slaves. 

The record of the females in his household at that 
date is especially valuable as affording a clue to his 


15 


wife’s age — both his daughters being then married and 
accounted for in their husband’s households, and his 
wife being the only one remaining. The census says 
this one female in his family was between 16 and 60 
years of age. Subtracting 60 years from 1714, we find 
she was born after 165 1 +. Her parents, Jan Cornelia 
Buys and Ida Lubbertse, had baptised 

Hendrick, Mch. 15, 1651+. 

Lubbert, Feb. 2. 1656. 

(See records N. Y. Dutch church.) 

The natural inference, therefore is that Tryntje Jans 
Buys was born about 1657/8 , and was about 18/19 years 
old when married to Baltus Barents* Van Kleeck. She 
was living as late as January , 1725, when the super- 
visors ordered paid her bill for their entertainment at 
her house. 

Baltus Barents Yan Kleeck* represented Dutchess 
County in the 16th Colonial Assembly , which sat from 
May 3d to July 21st, 1715. He was elected to the 17th 
Assembly (which sat, at intervals, for eleven years, 1716 
-26), but served only from its beginning, June 5, 1716, 
(sessions June 5 to 30, and Aug. 21 to Sept. 1, 1716), to 
the spring of 1717, when he died. He was succeeded 
May 4, 1717, by Johannes Terboseh. 

(See N. Y. State “Red Book.”) 

His Will is not recorded either in N. Y. or Albany. 

He was 73 years old when he died. 

His children were : 

25 Barent 3 , “born near Albany” (about 1677 ?) 

26 Elizabeth 3 , “born in Albany” (about 1679 f) 

27 Johannes 3 , born in 1680. 

28 Sara 3 , “born in Albany” (about 1682 f) 

29 Maeckje 8 , buried at Bergen, N. J., June 21, 1683. 


16 


30 Peter 3 , son of Baltus Barents van Kleeck and 
Tryntje Jans Buys; bap. at Bergen, N. J., Oct. 5, 
1685 \ wit. Jan Herperingh and Jannetje Barents; 
buried at Bergen, N. J., July 8, 1688. 

(See records Bergen Dutch Church.) 

31 Mayken 3 , dau. of Baltus Barentsen Van Gleeck and 
Tryntje Jans Buys; bap. in N. Y., Feb. 16, 1687 ; wit. 
Jan Petersen Bosch, Jan vanHerberdingh, Mayken 
Barens Van Gleeck. 

32 Peter 3 , son of (the same) ; bap. at Bergen, Oct. 4, 
1688 ; wit. J an Berberno and J annet je Barents, wife of 
Jan Peterse Bos. 

33 Laurence 3 , son of Baltus Barentsen van Clyck ; 
bap. in N. Y. Oct. 12, 1690 ; wit. Jan Herperdinck, 
Mayken Barents van Clyck. 

The origin of the name “ Van Kleeck ” has never 
been discovered. Baltus Barents 2 first used it at Ber- 
gen , N. J., in 1685 , at the baptism of his son, Peter 3 . 
Two years earlier, at the. burial of his daughter, 
Maeckje 3 , and when he joined the Bergen Church (see 
p. 12), he was simply Baltus Barentsen 2 , but after 1685 
he is almost invariably given the surname. There is 
nothing at Bergen to indicate any local derivation for 
the name. 

A thorough search of maps, gazetteers, and guides in 
the N. Y. State Library, Albany, and the Congressional 
Library, Washington, fails to disclose any village or 
town of Kleeck, Cleeck, Clyck, etc., in Holland. 
Modern Dutch dictionaries give no such word either, 
but Kiliaen’s 16th century (1500-1600) Dutch-Latin 
dictionary gives “ Kleek” meaning u crack f and 
“ Klick ” meaning a slap or blow . 

(See State Library, Albany.) 


17 


In 1687, at the baptism in N. Y., of his daughter, 
May ken 3 , Balthus’s 3 sister (for whom the child was 
probably named) was a witness, and was called u May- 
ken Barens Van C leech in 1690, “ May ken Barents 
van Cleeck ” was again witness to the baptism of a 
child of his, and also in 1690, “ Elsie Barents Van dev 
Cleeck ” witnessed the baptism of her daughter, 
Marritje (Sanders 3 ) Roseboom’s, child. (Seep. 10.) 

(Records N. Y. Dutch Church.) 

These seem to be the only instances where Balthus 
Barents’ 2 sisters are called u Van Kleeck.” At the 
marriage of three out of the five, (viz : Jannetje 2 p. 7, 
Mayken 2 p. 17, and Sara 2 p. 19), they are, instead, dis- 
tinctly called u van Haarlem” A reasonable supposi- 
tion is that “ Kleeck ” may have been a suburb (or tiny, 
near-by hamlet) of Harlem, in Holland. 

About 1776 some of the descendants of Baltus emi- 
grated to Canada and formed a settlement in Prescott 
County, Ontario, and named it Yan Kleeck’s hill, but 
the great majority remained in Dutchess County and 
were loyal to the cause of freedom. The name Van 
Kleeck has been identified with Poughkeepsie since the 
settlement of the place which dates, according to the 
best authorities consulted, from the last decade of the 
seventeenth century. In what year, exactly, and by 
whom, it was founded is not known, but among the first 
comers was Baltus Yan Kleeck. His descendants to 
the eighth generation are now living in Poughkeepsie. 


Y. “ Maylcen Barents , van Ilaerlem* ,” married Dec. 
25, 1667, “Jan Harberding, van Brockholst, West- 
phalia.” 


(See records N. Y. Dutch church.) 


18 


Prior to her marriage, but two references to Mayken 
Barents 2 appear; the first, Apr. 25, 1662, when she was 
plaintiff in a suit vs. a servant of Egbert van Borsum 
in N. Y.; 

(Court Rec’ds of New Amsterdam, Yol 4, p. 67), 

and the second Sep. 29, 1662, when she witnessed the 
baptism in N. Y., of a child of Hendrick Jansen Riiy- 
ter and Tryntje Willems. She was probably born 
about 1646- 7. The church records show the birth to 
her of one child, viz. : 

34 Assudius 3 , bap. Nov. 18, 1668; witnesses: Robert 
Sanderson, Catelyntje Barents, and Lysbeth B alt 7ms ; 
but he probably did not live, for he is not named in his 
father’s will. 

The appearance of Lysbeth Balthus among the above 
witnesses is noteworthy, as it is the only mention of her 
found; but who she was — though undoubtedly a rela- 
tive — it is impossible to say. The daughter of a man 
named Balthus, she may have been sister to Barent Bal- 
thus 1 of Flatbush, and aunt to Baltus Barentsen Van 
Kleeck 2 and Mayken Barents 2 Harberding. 

In 1674, “John Harberding” is on a list of the sub- 
stantial citizens of N. Y. city, with an estate rated at 
2000 fl. (or $800). 

(See “ Mem. Hist. City N. Y.,” Yol. 1, p. 362.) 

In 1686, “Jan Harberdinck” and his wife Mayken 
Barents 2 were living on High St., N. Y. city. 

(Ibid. p. 450.) 

The will of “John Harbardinck, of the City of New 
York, Cordwainer”* is recorded in Yol. 9 of N. Y. 
Wills, p. 440. It was dated Apr. 23, 1722, proved Feb. 
7, 1723, and names the following persons : — 


*i. e. Shoemaker. 


19 


J oost Christian Towle and his two sisters, children of 
Gertruyes Tenhagen, one of cousin Hendrick Tenha- 
gen deceased’s daughters (he in his life time Cornmis- 
ses at Brevoort in Co. of Sutphen). 

Jan Schalten, “ Cherurgion ” and his two sisters, 
children of cousin Dirck Tenhagen, Statholder and 
Schaltner at Genderingen and Elten near Emerick in 
Overyssell. 

Alida Sarah, widow Ficke, of Amsterdam, daughter 
of cousin Hendrick Tenhagen. 

Sarah Tenhagen, widow “ hulst,” of Utrecht, daugh- 
ter of same cousin Hendrick. 

Asurris Harberdinck, son of kinsman John Harber- 
dinck, Jr., of N. Y. city. 

To Minister, Elders and Deacons of Kef. Dutch church 
in N. Y. city, one-fifth of “ Shoemaker’s field” on n. e. 
side of Maiden Lane. 

Wife, Mayken Harberdinck ' . 

Wife's sister , Jannetje Bos 3 , widow of J ohn Peterson 
Boss, and her children. 

Wife's sister , Elsie Sanders', widow of Robert San- 
ders. 

Children of wife's brother , Baltus Van Kleeck 2 , late 
of Dutchess Co., deceased. 

Children of wife's sister , Catelyntje Van Benthuy- 
sen 2 , late of Albany, deceased. 

Kinsmen Barnet Van Kleeck, of Dutchess Co., Plan- 
ter and Johannes Hardenbrook, of N. Y. city, Tanner. 

VI. “ Sara Barents van Haerlem'" married in N. Y. 
June 11, 1670, Benjamin Provoost. They had one child : 

35 David 3 , bap. Mch. 6, 1671, witnesses: Jan Peter- 
son Bosch and two Provoosts, 

(Records Dutch church, N. Y.), 


20 


but the mother evidently died soon after, for her hus- 
band married again in November of the same year — 1671. 

(Ibid.) 

VII. Catelyntje Barents' married Paulus Martens 
Van Benthuysen, who was an early resident of Albany. 

The first reference to her is in 1660, when she witnessed 
the baptism of her sister Jannetie’s 2 son John 3 (see p. 7) 
and the next in 1668 in the same connection for her 
nephew Assudius Harberding 2 (see p. 18). 

Jan Harberding’s will, in 1722, calls her “late of 
Albany, deceased.” 

The children of Catelyntje Barents 2 Van Benthuysen 
were, 

36 Baltus Van Benthuysen 3 . 

37 Barent Van Benthuysen 3 . 

38 Marten Van Benthuysen 3 . 

39 Mary Van Benthuysen 3 (m’d Thomas Hook). 

40 Gertruuy Van Benthuysen 3 (m’d Robert Van Deu- 
sen). 

41 Catelyntje Van Benthuysen 3 (m’d Isaac Truax). 

(See Pearson’s “ Albany Settlers,” p. 115, and papers 

in Sec. of State’s Office, Albany, in suit of Van Kleeck 
vs. Dutch church). 


GENERATION HI. 

XXV. Barent Van KleecF. 

The first mention of this (oldest?) son of Baltus Bar- 
ents Van Kleeck 2 , is upon the records of the Dutch 
church, Kingston, as follows : — 

“ Barent Van Cleeck , y. m., lorn near Albany , and 
Antoinette Parmentier, y. d., born Bush wick, L. I., both 
living at Poughkeepsie. ” Marriage banns Mch. 27, 1701. 


21 


Antoinette, daughter of Michiel and Neeltje (Damen) 
Parmentere , was born at Bushwick, L. I., in 1684, and 
was therefore only seventeen at the time of her mar- 
riage. 

(See Riker’s u Hist, of Harlem, N. Y.,” p. 492.) 

As stated on page 12, Barent Yan Kleeck 3 was proba- 
bly born 44 about 1677,” near Albany, which would 
make him twenty-four when married. 

The census of Dutchess County for 1714 
(See 44 Hist. Dutchess Co.” p. 60) 

records Barent Yan Kleeck V household as consisting 
of : 

{ over 60, none. ( above 60, none. 

between 16 and 60, 2. — females, -j between 16 and 60, 1. 
under 16, 3. ( under 16, 1. 

The following year — 1715 — Barent Yan Kleeck 8 serv- 
ed as Captain of a Dutchess County company of militia. 
(See Rep. of State Hist’n, 1897, p. 552.) 

July 27, 1721 , 44 Captain Barent Yan Cleek” was 
appointed commissioner of Highways for Dutchess Co. 
(See 44 Laws of the Col. of N. Y.” Yol. 2, p. 69.) 

Sept. 20, 1728, 44 Major Barent Yan Cleek” again 
appointed as above. 

(Ibid., p. 455.) 

Dec. 21, 1737, Barent Yan Kleeck was Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Dutchess County regiment of militia. 
(See 2d Rep. of State Hist’n, p. 493.) 

Nov. 3, 1740, “ Colonel Barent Yan Cleek” appoint- 
ed excise commissioner. 

(See 44 Laws of the Col. of N. Y.” Vol. 3, pp. 71-2.) 

1739, Barent Yan Cleek 8 declined re-appointment as 
Lt. -Col. 

(See 2d Rep. of State Hist’n, p. 500.) 


22 


Barent Van Kleeck 9 and his wife were living as late 
as 174-8 , as appears from the following deed. 

Aug. W, 1748 , “ Colonel Barent Van Kleeck of 
Poughkeepsie and Antonetta his wife” sell to “ Peter 
Van Kleeck , Jr. , youngest son of said Barent” — for 
£118 — land on Wappinger’s Creek which Magiele Van 
Kleeck bought Nov. 11, 1735, of Stephen Van Cort- 
land, and which he and his wife Blandina sold — May 
6, 1738, — to said Barent. 

(Abstract of deed, Vol. 2, p. 185, Co. Clerk’s office, 
Poughkeepsie.) 

Colonel Barent Van Kleeck 3 and Antoinette Parmen- 
tere were the parents of the following : — 

42 Baltus 4 , bp. Kingston, Apr. 6, 1702 ; witnesses : 
Baltus Yan Kleeck and Tryntje Van Kleeck ; he proba- 
bly died young. 

43 (Michael 4 ?, about 1704 ? married Blandina ? 

see above. ) 

44 Ahasuerus 4 , bp. Kingston, July 1, 1706 ; witness- 
es : Jan Harpending and Mayke Harpending ; he proba- 
bly died young. 

45 Baltus 4 , bp. N. Y.,Oct. 8, 1707; witnesses: Baltus 
Yan Kleeck and Tryntje his wife. 

46 Neeltje 4 , bp. Kingston, May 7, 1710; witnesses : 
Peter and Sophia Parmentere. 

47 Ahasuerus 4 , bp. Kingston, Feb. 8, 1713 ; witness- 
es : Johannes and Elizabeth Van Kleeck. 

48 Barent 4 , bp. N. Y., Sep. 25, 1715; witnesses: 
Peter Bos, Jan Harberding, Susanna Bos. 

49 Tryntjen 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, June 25, 1717 ; wit- 
nesses : Peter Yan Kleeck and Tryntjen Buys. 

50 Sara 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Feb. 4, 1720; witnesses : 
Myndert van den Bogard and Neeltjen Parmentere. 


23 


51 Barent 4 , 2d, bp. N. Y., Oct. 15, 1721 ; witnesses : 
Peter Bos and Susanna Bos his wife ; he probably died 
young. 

52 Peter 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, June 1, 1725 ; witness- 
es : Frans LeRoy and Seletje Damen. 

53 Barent 4 , Jr. 3d, bp. Kingston, Aug. 20, 1727; 
witnesses : Lawrence Y. Kleeck and Jaapjen Lewis. 

54 (Antoinetta 4 , about 1728? she married 1746 Moses 
DeGraaf, b. 1724.) 


XXYI. Elizabeth Van Kleeck?. 

June 3, 1697 , the records of the Dutch church at 
Kingston show that “ Lysbet” daughter of “ Baltus Ba- 
rentsen Van Cleeck” and “ Tryntje Jansen” was baptis- 
ed. This can be no other than the “ Lysbet Van Cleeck 
born in Albany” whose marriage banns with “ Johannes 
ILip, born at Kingston,” both living in Dutchess coun- 
ty, were published Sep. 28, 1703, in the Kingston 
church ; but why the baptism of this older daughter 
should have been so long deferred, and not have taken 
place with one of those of the younger children, is inex- 
plicable. The record, however, is, incidentally, valua- 
ble as another indication that Baltus Barents Yan 
Kleeck 2 was in Dutchess county at an early date. 

Johannes Kip, husband of Lysbet Yan Kleeck 2 , was 
baptized Mch. 31, 1678. It is supposed she was born 
about 1679 : (see p. 12). Their children were : — 

55 Henry Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Sept. 3, 1704. 

56 Baltes Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Mch. 17, 1706; wit- 
nesses : Baltes Van Kleeck and Tryntje Buys. 

57 Baltes Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, May 23, 1707 ; wit- 
nesses : the same. 

58 Matthew Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Oct 31, 1708. 

59 Tryntje Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, May 7, 1710. 


24 


60 Barent Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Jan. 27, 1712; wit- 
nesses : Barent Van Kleeff and Antoinette Palmatere. 

61 Annetjen Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Jan. 21, 1714 ; wit- 
ness: Lawrence Van Kleeck. 

62 Baltns Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Sept. 4, 1715 ; wit- 
nesses : Baltics Van Kleeck and Tryntje Bays. 

63 Jacob Kip 4 , bp. Kingston, Jan. 12, 1718. 

XXVII. Johannes Van Kleeck? born 1680, died 175 J 

Apr. 3, 1742, deposition was made before Francis 
Filkin, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Dutchess 
Co,, by “ Johannes Van Kleeck , of Poughkeepsie Pre- 
cinct, aged 62 years , and “Myndert van den Bogard, of 
Poughkeepsie, aged about 60 years,” that they have 
both known the “Rust Place” to be so called 50 years 
ago. 

(Vol. A. p. 412 of deeds, Co. Clerk’s office, Pough- 
keepsie.) 

This document fixes Johannes Van Kleeck’s 3 birth 
year as 1680 ; the last clause, also, — if accurate , — by 
the subtraction of 50 years from 1742 — is ground for a 
supposition that the family was living at Poughkeepsie 
in 1692. 

The census of 1714, before referred to, gives Johannes 
Van Kleeck’s 8 family as of — 

{ over 60, none. ( above 60, none. 

between 16 and 60, 1. — females, \ between 16 and 60, 2. 
under 16, 2. ( under 16,, 1. 

His children — (those rated “under 16”) — were, by this, 
in 1714, three in number, — two sons and one daughter. 
(See below.) 

In 1715, Johannes Van Kleeck 3 was sergeant of the 
Dutchess County militia company, 

(See State Historian’s Rep. 1897, p. 552), 


25 


but his chief public service was as a member of the 
18th, 19th and 20th Colonial Assemblies, which sat 
through the twelve years of 1726-’37. 

(See State Red Book.) 

He was twice married, as is found by the baptisms 
of his children, first to Aaltje Ter Bosch , and second, 
to Catherine van den Bogard (bp. 1690, dau. of Myndert 
Harmense and Helena (Schermerhorn) Van den Bo- 
gai’d?) His children were : 

61 Tryntje 4 , bp. N. Y., July 6, 1709. 

65 Johannes 4 , bp. N. Y., May 3, 1711; born Aug. 30, 
1710, died young. 

66 Balthus 4 , bp. Kingston, Feb. 8, 1713. 

67 Petrus 4 , bp. N. Y., Oct 23, 1715. 

68 Elizabeth 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Oct. 23, 1718 ; d. 
before 1747. 

69 Alida 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Oct. 12, 1720 ; proba- 
bly died young. 

70 Sara 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Nov. 21, 1722. 

71 Jacobus 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, June 1, 1725. 

72 Johannes 4 , bp. N. Y., Jan. 22, or June 22, 1728, 
24 days old. (Married 1746 Rachel v. d. Bogart.) 

73 Lawrence 4 , bp. N. Y., Sept. 12, 1730, aged three 
weeks. (Married Jannetje De Graaf.) 

74 Myndert 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Feb. 2, 1745. 

Johannes Van Kleeck’s 3 will is dated Jan. 6, 1746-7, 

and proved Oct. 7, 1754. 

(See Cal. of Albany Wills, p. 409.) 

It names his wife, Catherine, and all the above chil- 
dren, except Alida, calling Elizabeth “ deceased” and 
referring to her sons Frans and Johannes. Myndert 
was probably the only child of the second wife. 


26 


XXVIII. Sara Van Kleeck . 3 

The marriage banns of “ Sara Van Cleeck, born in 
Albany,” with “ Peter Parmentier , born at Bush wick, 
L. I.,” both “ living at Poughkeepsie” were published 
at Kingston, Oct. 18, 1702. 

(See records Dutch Church.) 

Peter Parmentere, son of Michiel and Neeltje (Da- 
men) Parmentere, and brother of Barent Van Kleeck’s 3 
wife, was born in 1680. 

(See Biker’s “Harlem,” p. 492.) 

His wife’s birth date is approximated as u about 
1682,” (see p. 12.) 

Their children were : 

75 Tryntje Parmentere 4 , bp. Kingston, Oct. 31, 1703. 

76 Neeltje Parmentere 4 , bp. Kingston, Mch. 23, 1707. 

77 Elizabeth Parmentere 4 , bp. Kingston, Jun. 20,1708. 

78 Michiel Parmentere 4 , bp. Kingston, May 6, 1711. 

79 Baltus Parmentere 4 , ) twins, bp. Kingston, Aug. 

80 Neeltje Parmentere 4 , j 2, 1713. 

Sara (Van Kleeck * ) Parmentere died 1713-14, for 
Nov. 21, 1714, the marriage banns of Peter Parmentere, 
“widower of Sara Van Kleeck,” and Helena Van den 
Bogart were published at Kingston. 

(Dutch Church records.) 


XXIX. Maeckje Van Kleeck * . 

This child of Baltus Barents Van Kleeck 2 was buried 
at Bergen, N. J., June 21, 1683. The church record 
states that hers was the 6th body buried in the church , 
— (a privilege to be paid for), — the 18th with “the” 
pall, — (which was owned by the church and rented), — 
and first with bell ringing, apparently, also, the last, 
for the records do not mention it again. 


27 


The son Peter 8 , buried July 8, 1688, (see p. 16) was 
the u 37th with pall.” 

XXX. Peter Van KleecP , born 1685 ; died 1688. 

XXXI. Maylcen Van Kleeck 3 , born 1687 ; probably 
died young. 

XXXII. Peter Van Kleeck* , born 1688, died 1732-3. 

In 1715, Peter Yan Kleeck 3 , was a private in his 
brother Barent’s company of Dutchess Co. Militia. 

(Rep. State Hist’n, 1897, p. 552. ) 

He did not marry until 34 years old, a very unusual 
thing in those days. When he did, it was Nov. 21, 
1722, with a license, at Poughkeepsie, Catherine , bp. 
170%, daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth {Hardenberg) 
Lewis , who were married in N. Y., Nov. 16, 1688. 
Leonard Lewis removed about 1710 from N. Y. to 
Poughkeepsie, where he became a prominent citizen. 
He represented Dutchess County in the Colonial Assem- 
bly fourteen years (1713-1726) and was a Colonel of 
Militia. His gravestone is still (1900) standing in the 
burial ground at the junction of Main and Church 
Streets, Poughkeepsie, recording his death, Aug. 19, 
1730. 

Peter Yan Kleeck’s 3 will was made April 20, 1732, at 
Poughkeepsie, and proved there at a Court of Common 
Pleas, Oct. 16, 1733. 

(Dutchess Co. deeds, Yol. 1, p. 148.) 

It names wife, Katherine, and children : — 

81 Trintie 4 , bp. May 6, 1724 ; married Bartholomew 
Crannel. 

82 Baltes% bp. Kingston, Oct. 10, 1725 ; witnesses : 
Barent Yan Kleeck and Jacoba Lewis. 


28 


83 Leonard 4 . 

84 Elizabeth 4 , bp. Sept. 21, 1729 ; married Jonathan 
Lawrence. 

85 Sara 4 , bp. Apr. 27, 1731 ; married George Stewart. 

86 “One expected” ; i. e. Peter 4 , born 1732 ; married 
Apr. 7, 1761, Antje Lewis. 

XXXIII. Lawrence Van Kleeck 9 , born 1690 ; died 
1769. 

Dec. 21, 1737, Lawrence Yan Kleeck 3 , was a Lieuten- 
ant in the Dutchess Co. Militia Regiment and in 1739 
was promoted to a captaincy. 

(2d Rep. of State Hist’n, pp. 493 and 500.) 

He married, (as is shown at the baptisms of his chil- 
dren and by his will,) Jacoba Lewis , bp. 1691 , sister of 
his brother Peter’s 8 wife. His will, in which he calls 
himself “ esquire,” is dated Apr. 30, 1760, and proved 
Aug. 23, 1769. 

(“Cal. of Albany Wills’” p. 420.) 

His children were : 

87 Tryntjen 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, June 25, 1717, 
(prob. died young, not named in will.) 

88 Elizabeth 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Oct. 23, 1718. 

89 Tryntjen 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Feb. 4, 1720. 

90 Baltus 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Apr. 17, 1723. 

91 Leonard 4 , bp. Poughkeepsie, Sept. 30, 1724. 

92 Sara 4 , bp. Kingston, Aug. 20, 1727. 

(“Grand-dau. Jacoba, dau. of Peter Van Kleeck,” 

named in will.) 


A BRANCH OF THE VAN KLEECK TREE. 

(The names in italics are the ancestors of the publisher.) 


I. 

BARENT. 

Issue : 

Jannetje Barents van Haerlem, b. about 1639 ; m. 
1st, Jan. 22, 1659, Jan Quisthout Van der Linden, van 
Brussel : m. 2nd, Oct. 20, 1663, Jan Pieterszen Bosch, 
(John Peterson Boss), van Goestorp in Gulickerlant. 

Elsje Barents, b. Aug. 10, 1641 ; d. Dec. 28, 1734 ; m. 
Robert Sandertszen (Robert Sanders). 

Balthus Barentszen Van Kleeck , afterwards known 
as Baltics Van Kleeck , b. 1644; d. 1717 ; m. Tryntje 
Janse Buys. 

Mayken Barents, van Haerlem, b. about 1646 ; d. 
1723 ; m. Dec. 25, 1667, Jan Harberding (John Haber- 
dinck), van Brockholdst en Westphalen ; d. 1723. 

Sara Barents, van Haerlem, b. about 1650 ; m. 1670 
Benjamin Provoost ; d. 1671. 

Catalyntie Barents, m. Paulus Martens Van Benthuy- 
sen. 


GENERATION II. 

Balthus Barentszen Yan Kleeck 2 , III,* or Baltus Van 
Kleeck, b. 1644 ; d. 1717. m. Tryntje Jans Buys. 
Issue : 

25 Barent 3 , b. about 1677 ; m. April 27, 1701, An- 
tonette Parmentier. 


*These numbers, and those corresponding on the following pages are taken 
from the “Historical Notes.” 


30 


26 Elizabeth 3 , b. about 1679 ; bp. June 3, 1697 ; m. 
1703, Johannes Kipp. 

27 Johannes 3 , b. 1680 ; d. 1754; m. (1) Alida Ter 
Bosch. (2) Catarina Van der Bogert. 

28 Sara 3 , b. about 1682; d. 1713/14; m. 1702 Peter 
Parmentier. 

29 Maeckje 3 , buried at Bergen, N. J., June 21, 1683. 

30 Peter 3 , bp. at Bergen, N. J., Oct. 15, 1685 ; buried 
at Bergen, July 8, 1688. 

31 Mayken 3 , bp. in N. Y., Feb. 16, 1687. (No fur- 
ther record.) 

32 Peter 3 , bp. at Bergen, N. J., Oct. 4, 1688 ; d. 1732 
/3 ; m. Nov. 21, 1722, Catherine Lewis*. 

33 Lawrence 3 , bp. in N. Y., Oct. 12, 1690 ; d. 1769 ; 
m. Jacoba Lewis*. 


GENERATION III. 

Peter Van Kleeck 3 , XXXII, m. 1722, Catherina Lewis. 
Issue : 

81 Catherine 4 , bp. May 6, 1724 ; m. Bartholomew 
Crannell. 

82 Baltus\ bp. Oct. 10, 1725 ; d. 1794 ; in., (1) Sept. 
14, 1749 ; Sarah Kip ; (2) Josvntha Curson ; (3) Ger- 
trude Crannell ; (4) Rhoda Dutcher. 

83 Leonard 4 , moved to Point St. Thomas, West Indies. 

84 Elizabeth 4 , bp. Sept. 21, 1729 ; m. Jonathan Law- 
rence. 

85 Sarah 4 , bp. April 27, 1731 ; m. George Stewart. 

86 Peter 4 , m. April 7, 1761. Antje Lewis. 


♦Catherine and Jacoba Lewis were daughters of Col. Leonard Lewis. 


31 

GENERATION IY. 

Baltus Van Kleeck 4 , born in 1725, occupied the house 
in Poughkeepsie, built in 1702 by his grandfather, 
which during the Revolution, and afterwards, 
sheltered so many famous men. He made 
his will Aug. 21, 1794, and died that 
same year, being buried in the 
family ground west of the 
stone mansion house ; 

In 1833 during the regulating of the streets his remains 
were removed to the plot of his son, 

Leonard B. Yan Kleeck. 

Baltus Yan Kleeck 4 married four times : (1) Sept. 14, 
1749, Sarah, daughter of Roelof Kip. (2) Josyntha 
Curson or Corsa. (3) Gertrude Crannell. (4) Rhoda 
Dutcher. 

Issue : 

By Sarah Kip ; 

Peter Baltus\ m. Aug. 20, 1769, Chaije Tappen ; d. 
Nov., 1800. 

Franz 6 . 

Sarah 6 , m. Jacob Kip. 

Chatarina 6 , m. Thomas Lester. 

Grietje 6 . 

Elizabeth 6 , m. Thomas Bayeaux. 

By Josyntha Corsa : 

Isaac 6 , bp. April 6, 1766 ; m. Catherine Losee. 
Yozincha 5 , (Cynthia), born Dec. 22, 1768 ; m. Denbo 
Cable. 

By Rhoda Dutcher : 

Leonard 6 , m. (1) Elizabeth Phillips ; (2) Mary Willey ; 
(3) Hannah Bogardus. 


32 


Margaret 5 , born Nov. 8, 1790 ; d. Aug. 8, 1839 ; m. 
(1) John Guy Vassar;* (2) L. A. Raymond. 

GENERATION V. 

Peter Baltus Van Kleeck 4 , m. Chatje Tappen. 

Issue : 

Baltus 8 , b. Sept. 20, 1770 ; m. Rossanna Morrison. 
Tunis*, f b. June 14, 1773; d. Sept. 1, 1831 ; m. Jan. 
15, 1792, Irene Bacon ; b. June 6, 1776 ; d. Dec. 1, 1831. 
Sarah 6 , b. June 4, 1775 ; d. Oct. 15, 1775. 

Francis 6 , b. Aug. 23, 1776. 

Elizabeth 6 , b. June 28, 1778 ; m. Ezekiel Roe. 

John 6 , b. Oct. 3, 1780 ; d. Sept. 30, 1783. 

Peter 6 , b. Jan. 10, 1783 ; d. Jan. 13, 1784. 

Catherine 8 , b. Nov. 4, 1784 ; m. Godfrey Borman. 
Sarah 6 , b. Dec. 19, 1786 ; m. Josiah Sayres. 

Charles 6 , b. Mch. 1, 1789 ; d. Aug. 17, 1790, 

GENERATION VI. 

Tunis Van Kleeck 6 , m. Irene Bacon. 

Issue : 

Sally Ann T , b. Jan. 3, 1793 ; d. Jan., 1874 ; m. Feb. 
11, 1811, B. Davis Noxon. 

Cornelia 7 , b. Oct. 2, 1797 ; d. Dec. 28, 1880 ; m. Feb. 
3, 1814, George W. Somarindyck. 

Eliza 7 , b. Aug. 2, 1799 ; d. Sept. 11, 1848 ; m. Jan. 13, 
1823, Rufus Cossit. 

George 7 , b. Jan. 11, 1801 ; d. Jan. 15, 1801. 

George 7 , b. July 4, 1803 ; d. Oct. 17, 1878 ; m. Mch. 
16, 1826, Mary E. Tallmadge ; d. Mch. 29, 1883. 

♦Father of John Guy Vassar and Matthew Vassar/Jr. 
tSecond Lieutenant of a company in the Second Battalion of the Third 
Regiment of the Artillery. Date of commision May 11, 1808. 


33 


Edgar 7 , b. Aug. 8, 1805 ; d. May 31, 1869 ; m. Oct. 
11, 1827, Nancy Graham, died. 

Albert \ b. Dec. 27, 1807 ; d. Nov. 7, 1866 ; m. Sept. 
25, 1833, Eliza Green , d. Dec. 26, 1862. 

Mary 7 , b. June 11, 1811 ; d. Mch. 28,1891 ; m. Feb. 

l, 1835, Willet Raynor. 

Louisa 7 , b. June 15, 1813 ; d. Jan. 1, 1865 ; m. Sept. 
9, 1834, Edward Beach. 

William Henry 7 , b. July 2, 1815 ; d. June 26, 1854 ; 

m. (1) Mch. 28, 1833, Mary Haight ; (2) July 20, 1848, 
Margaret Hardenburgh. 


GENERATION VII. 

Sally Ann Van Kleeck 7 , m. B. Davis Noxon. 
Issue : 

Robert 8 , m. Matilda Palmer. , 

Ann Eliza 8 , m. John E. Ives. 

George 8 , m. Margaret Lyon. 

James 8 , m. (1) Elizabeth Caldwell ; (2) Sarah Wright. 
Cornelia 8 , m. George F. Comstock. 

Frances 8 , m. (1) J. Loomis ; (2) Alfred A. Hovey. 
Irene 8 , m. (1) J. Trowbridge ; (2) W. Lake. 

Davis 8 , m. Mary Williams. 

Augustus 8 . 

Augustus 8 . 

Henry 8 , m. Rachel Per Lee. 

Julia 8 , m. T. D. Green. 


Cornelia Van Kleeck 7 , m. George W. Somarindyck. 
Issue : 

Sarah Cornelia 8 . 

Julia 8 , m. J. P. Yelverton. 


34 


George 8 , m. Comstock. 

Augustus 8 , m. Elizabeth Slater. 

Edgar 8 . 

Eliza Van Kleeck 7 , m. Rufus Cossit. 
Issue : 

Frances 8 , m. Erastus B. Phillips. 

Davis 8 , m. Mary Geddes. 

Mary 8 , m. John M. Strong. 

Ann Eliza 8 , m. Thomas M. Luther. 


George Van Kleeck 7 , m. Mary E. Tallmadge.* 
Issue : 

Tallmadge 8 , d. Sept. 29, 1827. 

Tallmadge 8 , d. April 20, 1833. 

Walter 8 , m. Nov. 11, 1869, Sarah Lent. 

Irene 8 , m. June 20, 1855, George Cornwell. 

Mary Louisa 8 , d. Jan. 8, 1888 ; m. Nov. 26, 1861, 
Charles Gaylord, died. 

Richard Varick 8 , 

Thomas William’, I twms ’ d 0ct 9 ’ 1839 ‘ 

Theodore 8 , m. June 7, 1858, Adele Clark. 

Caroline 8 , d. Feb, 11, 1890 ; m. Nov. 25, 1873, An- 
drew Cargill. 

Jane 8 , d. Mch. 26, 1895. 

Francis 8 , d. April 28, 1818. 


Edgar Van Kleeck 7 , m. Nancy Graham. 
Issue : 

Tunis 8 , b. Jan. 2, 1832; d. Dec. 22, 1858. 

V reeland H 8 ., b. Sept. 6, 1837; d. July 16, 1858. 


♦Golden Wedding celebrated March 16, 1876. 


Louisa 7 , m. Edward Beach. 

Issue: 

Augustus 8 , b. Oct. 1, 1835 ; died at Syracuse, May 
27, 1836. 

Irene 8 , m. July 20, 1870; Matthew Vassar, Jr., d. 
Aug. 10, 1881. 

Louise D. 8 , d. July 6, 1879 ; m. Oct. 26, 1865, George 
Parker, d. 


1 










35 


Albert Van Kleeck 7 , m. Eliza Green. 

Issue : 

Davis 8 , d. Sept. 7, 1863. 

Edward 8 , d. Nov. 13, 1890 ; m. May 19, 1869, Annie 
M. Nutter. 

Harriet 8 , m. June 27, 1866, John R. Lent, d. May 
10, 1892. 

Elizabeth 8 , d. Sept. 21, 1898 ; m. Dec. 17, 1872, Chas. 
E. Fogg, d. April 26, 1891. 

Julia 8 , m. Feb. 5, 1879, Wm. H. Tallmadge, d. June 
2, 1888. 

Cornelia 8 , d. May 19, 1845. 

Albert 8 , d. Dec. 13, 1891 ; m. (1) Emma Haywood ; 

(2) Valentine. 

Augustus 8 . 

Irene 8 . 

Frank 8 , m. Sept. 24, 1891, Sara Phillips Sleight. 

Mary Van Kleeck 7 , m. Willet Raynor. 

Issue : 

Louisa 8 , m. J. Forman Wilkinson. 

Augusta 8 , m. (1) James Hinman ; (2) Samuel Lindley ; 

(3) Ira W. Plant. 

William Henry Van Kleeck 7 , m. (1) Mary Haight ; (2) 
Margaret Hardenbergh. 

Issue : 

Sarah 8 . 

Mary 8 , m. Robert Crooke. 

William H. 8 , m. Mary Leeds. 

Emma 8 , m. Henry Dana. 

Camilla 8 . 

Harry 8 , m. Ellen Goodhue. 

Margaret 8 , m. Q. M. Gillmore. 


36 

GENERATION VIII. 

(Descendants of Albert Van Kleeck only.) 

Edward Van Kleeck, 8 m. Annie M. Nutter. 

Issue : 

Melvina 9 . )m. June 27, 1901 . Arthur L Shipman. 
Fanny 9 , f 

Edward 9 , d. July 16, 1875. 

Irene 9 , d. Feb. 17, 1881. 


Harriet Van Kleeck 8 , m. John R. Lent. 
Issue : 

Albert V. K. 9 , d. Nov. 14, 1876. 

George B. 9 , d. July 23, 1872. 

Irene 9 , d. Aug. 6, 1875. 


Albert Van Kleeck 8 , m. (1) Emma Haywood ; (2) Minnie 
Valentine. 

Issue : 

Irene 9 , died. 

Albert 9 , died. 

Charles 9 , died. 

Minnie 9 . 


Frank Van Kleeck 8 , m. Sara Phillips Sleight. 
Issue : 

Mary Sleight 9 , b. Aug'. 4,1895. 

Baltus 8 , b. April 10,1901. 


37 


[From an old newspaper.] 

“ Notice. 

The undersigned has been engaged for some time in 
prosecuting his claim as one of the descendents of Bal- 
thus Barents Yan Kleeck to lands situate in the City of 
New York, in the possession of sundry persons, under 
leases from ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Re- 
formed Church of said City, and feeling an entire confi- 
dence in the validity of the claim, both in law and equi- 
ty, and his eventual success of its recovery, hereby 
invites the heirs who are able to establish their genealo- 
gy to unite with him as parties in interest. Those of 
the Yan Kleeck family who have ancient wills, docu- 
ments and old family Bibles in their possession will 
please apprise Lawrence L. Yan Kleeck, Esquire, 
Poughkeepsie, who will give further information on 
this subject. 

Dated, August 16, 1834. 

Law. L. Y. Kleeck, 

Of the City of Washington, D. C.” 

The only important result of the above notice was the 
construction of the Yan Kleeck Genealogical Tree. 
The claim referred to was decided against the heirs of 
Baltus Yan Kleeck. 


Notes. 

The name Yan Kleeck has always been prominently 
identified with the business interests of Poughkeepsie. 
The hat and fur store of Frank Yan Kleeck is the old- 
est established business of its kind in this country as 
well as the oldest business house established in Pough- 
keepsie and conducted under the same name. The 
business was established by Tunis Yan Kleeck in 1799 


38 


and continued by him until his death in 1831. He was 
succeeded by his son, Albert, who continued the busi- 
ness until his death Nov. 7, 1866, when Edward Van 
Kleeck, son of Albert, assumed control. In March, 
1890, Frank Van Kleeck, brother of Edward, was ad- 
mitted as partner. Upon the death of Edward, Nov. 
13, 1891, the business was continued by Frank and the 
widow of Edward until Feb. 1, 1891, when the interest 
of Mrs. Van Kleeck was purchased by Frank Van 
Kleeck. 

In old times the Van Kleeck hat store was a great 
place of resort and one of the recognized political head- 
quarters of the city, where consultations were held and 
plans laid for managing caucuses and local conventions 
and carrying elections. 

In former days the landed interests of the family 
were quite extensive. Baltus Van Kleeck, grandson of 
the first Baltus and great great grandfather of Frank 
Van Kleeck, was one of the largest property holders in 
Poughkeepsie. His farm extended from near Washing- 
ton Street to the Hudson Kiver, and contained about 
sixty acres. The river front from the south side of 
Kaal Rock north to the present Vassar Brewery was in- 
cluded in his farm. 

A lot, in what is now Vassar Street, was used, until 
about 1806, for family burial purposes. The farm was 
divided among the heirs of Baltus Van Kleeck in 1800. 

Albert Van Kleeck, father of Frank Van Kleeck, is 
the only one of the family whose name has been promi- 
nently identified with politics. 

In 1857 he was elected Treasurer of Dutchess County, 
the first one to hold the office by popular vote. Prior 
to that date the office was filled by appointment. In 
1861 he was appointed Post Master by President Lin- 


39 


coin and received the appointment the second time in 
1865 from President Johnson, and continued in office 
until his death in 1866. He was a delegate to the Na- 
tional Republican Convention held in Chicago in 1860, 
and was a strong supporter of Governor Seward. His 
political affiliations brought him in frequent contact with 
Thurlow Weed and other prominent Republicans. 

In a letter from Mr. Weed to Wm. H. Seward, Al- 
bert Van Kleeck is spoken of as “ one of our truest and 
best men.” 


“Names of Persons for whom Marriage Licenses 
were issued by the Secretary of the Province of New 
York, previous to 1784. 

Printed by order of Gideon J. Tucker, 

Secretary of State. 

Albany, Weed, Parsons & Company, 1860.” 

(Extract.) 

Date. Names. Record, vol. pp. 

1768, Dec. 8. Van Kleack, Cabachy and Joshua 

Carmen M.B. XIII. 257 

1764, Dec. 10. Van Kleck, Barent and Helena 

Palmatier M.B. VIII. 449 

1773, Jan. 6. Van Kleck, Peter and Catherine 


Outen Bogert. . . 

XX. 

3 

1764, Dec. 31. Van Kleeck, Alida and Lewis 
Dubois 

VIII. 

470 

1770, Nov. 15. Van Kleeck, Catherine and Fran- 
cis Pells 

XVI. 

258 

1771, Oct. 16. Van Kleeck, Baltus and Catherine 
Jones 

XVII. 

211 

1771, July 23. Van Kleeck, Baltus and Ann Law- 
rence 

XVII. 140 

1764, May 16. Van Kleeck, Baltus and Cornelia 
Crook 

VIII. 

190 

1761, Aug. 8. Van Kleeck, Baltus and Josyntje 
Buis 

V. 

35 

1771, Mar. 19. Van Kleeck, Barent B. and Cath- 
erine Outwater 

XVII. 

38 

1772, Mar. 4. Van Kleeck, Elizabeth and Gerrit 
Lewis 

XVIII. 

47 

1775, Nov. 13. Van Kleeck, Elizabeth and Mar- 
tin Wiltsie 

XXIII. 

207 

1738, Aug. 28. Van Kleeck, Elizabeth and Wil- 
liam Low 

I. 

10 

1763, Oct. 5. Van Kleeck, Hugh and Mary 
Everitt 

VII. 

372 


41 


1773, Aug. 10. Van Kleeck, Jacoba and Myndert 


Van Kleeck XXI. 64 

1767, Nov. 23. Van Kleeck, Jane and Jacobus 

Low XII. 93 

1773, Nov. 20. Van Kleeck, Jenny and Thomas 

Tobias XXII. 38 

1763, Sept. 14. Van Kleeck, John and Marry 

Ellis VII. 336 

1769, Feb. 15. Van Kleeck, Lawrence and Cor- 
nelia Livingston XIV. 34 

1773, Aug. 10. Van Kleeck, Leonard and Jane 

Crook XVI. 63 

1773, Aug. 10. Van Kleeck, Myndert and Jaco- 
ba Van Kleeck XXI. 64 

1767. June 26. Van Kleeck, Myndert and Mary 

DeGroiT XI. 114 

1761, April 7. Van Kleeck, Peter and Ann Lewis IV. 137 

1759, Oct. 15. Van Kleeck, Sarah and George 

Stewart II. 461 

1762, Nov. 17. Van Kleef, Baletje and Peter 

Van Steenburgh VI. 436 

1761, Jan. 30. Van Kleek, Alitje and David 

Ward IV. 41 

1755, Oct. 15. Van Kleek, Catharine and Peter 

Palmatier I. 193 

1757, Aug. 24. Van Kleek, Magdalen and Fran- 
cis Cameron I. 621 

1775, Sept. 2. Van Cleeck, Sarah and Simeon 

Frear XXIII. 145 


Note. — The date prefixed to each name is that of the License 
or of the Bond. The abbreviation for the title of the volume of 
Records is affixed to the name. M. B., Refers to volume in- 
dorsed Marriage Bonds. 


DESCENDANTS OF 

BALTHUS BARENTZSEN VAN KLEECK 

WHO TOOK PART IN THE REVOLUTION. 


Form Archives of the State of New York, 
The Revolution, Vol. 1. 


THE NEW YORK LINE OF THE CONTINENTAL 
ARMY. 

SECOND REGIMENT, 

Philip Van Cortland, Colonel. 

Third Company, p. 188. 

Van Cleck, Peter. — Sergt., Jan. 31, ’77. Died May 31, 
’77. M. R. 

Fifth Company, page 191. 

Van Kleeek, Henry. — Jan. 1, ’77, war, Corporal, Dec. 

’78 to Jan., ’82. M. R. 

THIRD REGIMENT, 

Peter Gansevoort, Colonel. 

Page 199. 

Van Kleeek, Lawrence. — Private in Second Company, 
for the months of March and 
April, 1779. (A. P. 19. p. 466.) 

Fourth Company, page 201. 

Van Kleeek, James. — Enlisted Nov. 27, ’76, 2 years. 

Discharged Nov. 26, ’79. A. P. 
19-13. M. R. 


43 


Eighth Company, page 208. 

Van Cleeck, Leon’d or Lau’ce. — Dec. 5, ’78 ; 3 years. 
E. M. R. 

Note. — The abbreviations used in the above list mean : 

M. R. — Military Register, the entries of which are given in 
extenso with the following omissions and abbreviations : the first 
date given the day of entering the Company ; M, means mus- 
tered. 

A. P. — Assembly Papers, containing petitions for bounty- 
land, etc., and reciting in nearly every case the applicant’s ser- 
vice, the recital being fortified by affidavits of former superior 
officers and brother-soldiers. 

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N. Y. MILITIA. 

Page 279, Second Regiment. 

(Rombout Precinct, Dutchess Co.) 

Van Clack, Barnard P. — June 25, 1778, Second Lieu- 
tenant. 

Page 280, Fourth Regiment. 

(Largely from Poughkeepsie Precinct.) 

Van Kleeck, John. — May 28, 1778, Captain, vice Peter 
Low, resigned. 

Van Kleeck, Hugh.— May 28, 1778, Captain. 

ROSTER OF STATE TROOPS. 

Page 500. 

Name and Rank. Regiment. Company. 

Van Kleeck, Baltus, Private. Brinckerhoff. Van Benschoten. 
“ Barent, Lieut., “ Van Benschoten. 

“ Barent, Private. “ “ 

“ Barent A. “ “ “ 

“ BarentB. “ “ “ 

“ Jacob, “ Weissenfels. Dodge. 

“ Joseph “ “ Thompson. 

“ Michael, “ Brinckerhoff. Van Benschoten. 

“ Baltus, “ Hopkins. “ 


44 


Van Kleeck, Barent, Private. Hammond. 

“ George “ Weissenfels. 

“ Michael, “ Pawling. Wood. 

“ Michael, “ Weissenfels. 

“ Barent P. Lieut. Brinckerhoff. Van Benschoten. 

From Roberts’ “ N. Y. in the Revolution,” 2nd Edition, 1898. 


LIST OF VAN KLEECKS IN THE DUTCHESS COUNTY 
MILITIA. 


Page 135, Second Regiment. 
(Rombout Precinct.) 

Abraham Brinckerhoff, Colonel. 

Van Cleack, Barent, Lieutenant. 

Van Kleeck, Barent, Lieutenant. 

Page 138. 

Van Cleck, Boltis, B., Private. 

Van Kleack, Bar rant B., Private. 

Van Kleeck, Baltus, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Barent A., Private. 

Van Kleeck, Barnard C., Private. 

Van Kleeck, Barnet, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Michael, Private. 

Page 141, Fourth Regiment. 
(Poughkeepsie Precinct.) 

John Frear, Colonel. 

Van Kleeck, Hugh, Captain. 

Van Kleeck, John, Captain. 

Page 141, Fifth Regiment. 
(Beekman Precinct.) 

Colonels Humphrey and VanderBurgh. 
Van Kleeck, Brt., Lieutenant. 

Van Cleak, John, Private. 


45 


Page 149, Sixth Regiment. 

(Charlotte Precinct, largely.) 

Colonels Graham and Hopkins. 

Van Kleek, Baltus, Private. 

Page 153, Associated Exempts. 
Zephaniah Platt, Colonel. 

Van Kleeck, James, Private. 

Page 154:, Minute Men. 

Van Kleak, John T., Lieutenant. 

Page 156. 

Van deck, Bardard P., Private. 

LIST OP VAN KLEECKS IN THE NEW YORK LINE. 

Page 27, First Regiment. 

Goose Van Schaick, Colonel. 

Van Kleeck, Henry, Private. 

Van Kleeck, James, Private. 

Page 46, Third Regiment. 

Colonels Clinton and Gansevoort. 

Van Kleak, James, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Moses, Private. 

Van Kleek, James, Private. 

Page 65, 2nd Regiment of Artillery. 

John Lamb, Colonel. 

Van Kleeck, Michael, Private. 

LIST OF VAN KLEECKS IN THE N. Y. LEVIES. 

Page 73, Weissenfel’s Regiment. 

Van Kleeck, Michael, Private. 

Van Kleek, George, Private. 

Van Kleek, James, Private. 


46 


Page 86, Pawling’s Regiment. 

Van Cleak, Michael, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Michael B. , Private. 

LIST OF VAN KLEECKS IN DUTCHESS CO. LAND 
BOUNTY REGIMENTS. 


Page 241, Second Regiment. 

Van Cleek, Barent, Private. 

Van Kleck, Barnet, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Ahashares, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Hugh, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Peter, Jr., Private. 

Van Kleek, Peter P., Private. 

Page 245, Fourth Regiment. 

Van Kleeck, Jacobus, Private. 

Van Kleeck, James, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Jeremiah, Private. 

Van Kleeck, John L., Private. p — 

Van Kleeck, Lawrence, Private, 

Van Kleeck, Myndert, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Peter, Private. 

Van Kleeck, Peter B., Private. 

Van Kleek, Robert S., Private. 

NEW YORK ASSOCIATION, 1775. 

The above title refers to the Articles of a General 
Association adopted by the Freemen, Freeholders and 
Inhabitants of the City of New York, on Saturday, the 
20th of April, 1775, “To endeavor to carry into execu- 
tion whatever measures may be recommended by the 
Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provin- 
cial Convention for the purpose of preserving our Con- 


47 


stitution, &c. ” They were transmitted for signing to 
all the Counties in the Province. The signers were 
called Associators. 

Signers in Dutchess County, by the name of Van 
Kleeck were : 


In Rombout Precinct, 1775. 

Bernd. J. Van Kleeck, Peter Van Kleeck, Jr. 

Boltes Van Kleeck, BarentB. Van Kleeck. 

Barent Van Kleeck, Sevaris Van Kleeck. 

Signers in Poughkeepsie, 1775. 

Pieter Van Kleeck, Law. Van Kleeck, 

Myndert Van Kleeck, John T. Van Kleeck, 

P. B. Van Kleeck,* Leonard Van Kleeck, 

Jas. Van Kleeck, John L. Van Kleeck, 

John Van Kleeck, L. J. Van Kleeck. 

List who refused to sign. 

Baltis Van Kleeck, Peter P. Van Kleeck. 






♦Great grandfather of Frank Van Kleeck of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 


THE VAN KLEECK HOUSE. 


This house was erected in the year 1702 by Baltus 
Van Kleeck, one of the first settlers of Dutchess Coun- 
ty. It was the first substantial house erected on the 
site of the City of Poughkeepsie, and stood on Mill 
Street about one hundred feet east of Vassar Street, on 
the premises now known as Nos. 224 and 226 Mill 
Street. The lot upon which the house was built was 
part of the property which came into possession of Bal- 
tus Van Kleeck in the year 1697, by purchase from 
Robert Sanders, who in connection with Myndert Har- 
mense received a grant of land, which included the 
above property, from Thomas Dongan, Captain-Gener- 
al and Governor of the Province of New York, on the 
24th day of October, 1686. 

The house was constructed of rough stone. The roof 
was covered with cedar shingles. 

The house was a sort of citadel for the hamlet of 
Poughkeepsie, in which the score or two of its inhabi- 
tants might take refuge. 

In its gables and just beneath its eaves its walls were 
pierced with lancet loop holes for musketry, as a means 
of defense against the Indians who were numerous in 
the country, although such were the pacific relations 
which existed between the natives and the early Dutch 
settlers, that its defensive properties were never called 
into requisition. 

The rough hewn stone lintel of the main door is pre- 
served in the basement close to, and partially below, the 
pavement on the Vassar Street side of the residence of 
Mrs. Matthew Vassar, Jr., on the southeast corner of 


49 


Mill and Yassar Streets. In tearing down the house 
the stone was broken into three pieces. The pieces 
have been set in line. The roughly carved initials and 
dates can be plainly seen. On the first piece of stone 
is carved “ 1702 B VK TVK”; on the second piece, in 
line with the former, “ANO 1712”; on the third, in 
line with the other two, the following : “GE X JVK.” 
The inscription is explained as follows : Date of build- 
ing 1702 ; builder, Baltus Yan Kleeck ; his wife, Tryn- 
tie Yan Kleeck. In the year (A N O) 1712 a man and 
wife, whose initials were G E and J YK, lived in the 
house and carved their names over the door. 

A portion of the original lot is still in the possession 
of descendants of Baltus Yan Kleeck and is the only 
piece of land in the city of Poughkeepsie the title to 
which has remained in one family since the settlement 
of the place. 

It came into possession of the Yassar family by in- 
heritance, the father of the late Matthew Yassar, Jr., 
and of the late John Guy Yassar, having married 
Margaret, daughter of Baltus Yan Kleeck, who was a 
grandson of the pioneer of that name. 

One part is now owned by the widow of Matthew 
Yassar, Jr., another part by the estate of Edward Yan 
Kleeck, deceased, and the immediate part of the prop- 
erty on which the house stood by Yassar Brothers’ 
Home for Aged Men, having been left to that institu- 
tion by the will of the late John Guy Yassar. 

In the early days of Poughkeepsie there were no 
public houses for the accommodation of travellers ; 
shelter and food were provided at the few houses in the 
settlement, the Yan Kleeck house being the most prom- 
inent. 

At a meeting of the Supervisors, held in J anuary, 
1725, among the items of expense is the following : 


50 


“To Trynte Yan Kleeck, widow, for victualling the 
assessors and supervisors, justices and clerks, sider, 
shugar and candles, 13s, 9d.” 

The old mansion was filled with good furniture, some of 
which is now in possession of Mrs. Matthew Yassar, Jr. 

A round table of mahogany and a high backed sofa 
are among the remnants of the equipment (huys-raedt) 
of a Hollandische family. 

“ But more precious things than the most costly fur- 
niture were seen in the mansion. These were Patriots ; 
—men such as Sir William Jones made Alcseus of Mity- 
lene declare, were constituents of a state — 

‘ Men, who their duties know, 

* But know their rights, and knowing dare maintain ; 

‘ Prevent the long-aimed blow, 

‘ And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain.’”* 

The Yan Kleeck house was closely associated with 
some of the most trying scenes in our country’s history. 

Here a “Court of Common Pleas and General Ses- 
sions ” met in 1731. 

This building was the meeting place of the inhabi- 
tants to consult on the public welfare, when the Boston 
Port Bill and other kindred measures awakened a spirit 
of resistance throughout the country. 

The Committee of Correspondence for Dutchess 
County, with Egbert Benson at its head, whose duty 
related to correspondence with the other colonies in re- 
lation to the Acts of Parliament and proceedings of the 
British Government affecting the liberties of America, 
met in the Yan Kleeck house in 1774. 

There, in June and July, 1775, the Whigs of 
“ Poughkeepsie Precinct” signed the pledge f “under 
all the ties of religion, honor and love of Country” to 

*“ Vassar College and Its Founder,” p. 21. Benson J. Lossing. 

tSee List of Signers of the Association, page 47. 


51 


sustain whatever measures the Continental Congress 
and Provincial Convention of New York should resolve 
upon for preserving the liberties of the people. 

Ann Lee, the founder of the sect called the Shaking 
Quakers in this country, was lodged in this house in 
1776 the night previous to her commitment to the 
Poughkeepsie Jail, charged with complicity with the 
enemies of Republicanism. 

The Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New York in session at White Plains having been warned 
by General Washington of the danger of the passes being 
seized between the Hudson and Albany, appointed John 
Jay with five others a secret military committee u to 
devise and carry into execution such measures as to 
them shall appear most effectual for obstructing the 
channel of Hudson’s River or annoying the enemies’ 
ships as well as to call out the military, if occasion 
should require.” The committee held its first meeting 
at the Yan Kleeck house in July, 1776.* 

The second Council of Safety met at this house in 
1777-1778. 

When the State Government was organized in 1777 
by the adoption of a Constitution, New York City being 
in possession of the enemy, the first session of the Leg- 
islature under the new order of things was held in 
Kingston, in July of the same year. But the invasion 
of the State at several points, by Burgoyne on the 
north, by St. Leger and his Indian and Tory associates 
at the west, and Sir Henry Clinton on the south — com- 
pelled Governor Clinton to prorogue that body until 
the first of September. No quorum was present until 
the 9th, and before any laws could be matured the ses- 
sion was broken up early in October by the approach of 


♦American Statesman Series “John Jay.” 


52 


the enemy np the Hudson. Kingston was laid in ashes 
and all was confusion. As soon as the alarm had sub- 
sided, Governor Clinton called a meeting of the As- 
sembly, at Poughkeepsie. It assembled in the Van 
Kleeck house,* then a public Inn, early in January (5th) 
1778. Various acts to complete the organization of 
the State Government were passed and provision was 
made for strengthening the civil and military powers 
of the State. 

It was during this session of the Legislature that the 
State gave its assent to the Articles of Confederation. 
One of the tables around which the delegation gathered 
is still in the possession of Mrs. Matthew Vassar, Jr. 

When the Convention to consider the Federal Con- 
stitution met in Poughkeepsie in 1788, this house was 
the lodging place of many of its members, and it was a 
public resort for the Patriots during the entire struggle 
for Independence, from 1775 to 1788. The general im- 
pression until recently has been that when the Conven- 
tion to consider the Federal Constitution met in Pough- 
keepsie in 1788 it assembled in the Van Kleeck house ;t 
but it must have been too cramped and inconvenient to 
be used for the meeting of such a large and important 
body, the sessions of which were held in the Court 
House, built to replace the one destroyed by fire in 1785. 


* Dossing. 

t “ The Convention was held in the Van Kleeck house.” 

New York Gazateer. 

“ The State Convention to consider the Federal Constitution assembled at 
the Van Kleeck house in Poughkeepsie on the 17th day of June, 1788.” 

Lossing’s Field Book of the Revolution. 

In a letter (1886) to Mr. Frank Van Kleeck, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Dr. 
Benson J. Lossing wrote, in reference to the preceding quotation : 

“ When I wrote my Field Book, thirty-five years ago, the general im- 
pression and belief was, that the Constitutional Convention of 1788 was held 
in the VanKleeck house. I subsequently learned that it was an error and 
corrected it for the new edition. I have in my possession a copy of the 
original printed journal of that Convention. It was printed by Nicholas 
Power, a few rods east of the Court House in Poughkeepsie, in the County 
of Dutchess; this of course is an unimpeachable authority.” 

“Power’s printing office was in the Power’s building, which stood until a 
few years ago upon the site of JDoty’s Drug Store, not far from your pres- 
ent place of business.” 

X Now Joseph’s Clothing Store. 


53 


In connection with the old house an interesting story 
is told. During the days of circuit courts, when judges 
made their way from village to village on horseback, 
there lived an old gentleman named Judge Crane. At 
a circuit court held in this city during the period when 
the Van Kleeck house was used for the accommodation of 
travelers he was to preside. On the first day of court 
Judge Crane walked through snow and rain into the 
village and appeared at the tavern thoroughly drench- 
ed, resembling a tramp rather that a judge. The land- 
lady, never having seen him before, did not recognize 
him, and the whimsical judge determined to withhold his 
identity and appear in the guise of a tramp. He cut 
and split wood for the landlady in return for his break- 
fast, and submitted to her scoldings with the indiffer- 
ence of an old rounder. At dinner he gave a serious 
turn to affairs by entering the dining room and seating 
himself in the place reserved for Judge Crane, whom 
the landlady expected. 

The story then relates the horror exhibited by the 
poor woman at seeing the tramp in the chair that was 
to be occupied by the guest of honor, and the ruses she 
resorted to in order to get him out. Then the judge 
revealed his identity amid the laughter of the assem- 
bled guests, covering the poor woman with mortification, 
which the judge removed by presenting her with a beau- 
tiful shawl. The old house that Poughkeepsie “ used 
to have,” is a source of more satisfaction to memory 
than if we never had any historic buildings at all. 

In 1831, two brothers, George and William Belton, 
came from Ireland and settled in Poughkeepsie. George 
Belton occupied for a time the Van Kleeck house, and 
it was in this house, during his occupancy, that the first 
mass said in Poughkeepsie was celebrated by a certain 


54 


Father Reilly, who was from the same locality in Ire- 
land as the Beltons, and who came here from New York 
to seek after those scattered along the river who might 
desire the ministrations of the Church. 

Mr. William Belton, who still (1898) lives in this city 
on Jefferson Street, distinctly remembers this first ser- 
vice, and thinks it was in 1832, the year after his arri- 
val, though it may have been in 1833. 

The old house around which clustered so many of 
Poughkeepsie’s most hallowed associations and which 
stood for nearly a century and a half a venerable relic 
of the “long ago” past was demolished in 1835 to give 
place to a more modern structure, but not until its fea- 
tures had been preserved by the pencil of the historian, 
Dr. Benson J. Lossing. 


DEED OF LAND CONVEYED TO BALTUS 
VAN KLEECK 2 . 


Included in the deed is the lot upon which the Van 
Kleeck house stood. 

“ This Indenture made the third day of June, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and 
ninety-seven and in the Ninth yeare of the Raign of our 
Soveraign Lord William the Third by the Grace of 
God of England Scotland France and Jr eland King De- 
fender of the faith &c Between Robert Sanders of the 
City of New York yeoman and Alice his wife of the one 
part and Balthazer Van Cleake of Long Rock in the 
County of Dutches of the other Part. Whereas Thom- 
as Dongan Capt. Generali and Governor in Chief of 
the Province of New York by vertue of a certain Pat- 
ent under the Seale of the said Province did grant unto 
the said Robert Sanders and Mijnardt Hermens Twelve 
hundred acres of Land to be taken up altogether any 
where within the Bounds and -Limitts of that Tract of 
Land called by the Native Jndians Memusink and Pog- 
keepsing provided that none of the said Land did 
extend to encroach upon the Land formerly granted by 
Patent unto Mr. Stephanus Courtland Francis Rom- 
bolts and Company lying on the East side of Hudson’s 
River as by the said Patent bearing date the 24 day of 
October Ano Dm 1686 and in the 2nd yeare of his 
Majesty’s Raign relacon being thereunto had more fully 
and at large will appeare, and whereas the said Robert 
Sanders and Mijenardt Hermans by their joijnt consent 
did make Division and particon of part of the said Land 
adjoijning to Hudson’s River aforesaid called Pogkeep- 
L.*fC. 


56 


sing as by a certain Writeing interchangeably signed 
and delivered by and to each other where by it was 
agreed that the said Robert Sanders should have and en- 
joy for him his heires and assigns for Ever the following 
Lots or parcells of Ground hereafter exprest and which 
by the said Contract or writeing bearing date the 13th 
of May Ano Dm: will at large appeare relacon be- 

ing thereunto had. Now this Jndenture Witnesseth 
that the said Robert Sanders by and with the Knowl- 
edge and full consent of Alice his Wife signified by her 
being a party to these presents and by her Voluntary 
sigeing sealeing and delivery hereof for the Considera- 
tion of the Sum of Ninety pounds Current good and 
lawful money of the Province of New York aforesaid 
to them the said Robert Sanders and Alice his wife well 
and truely in hand paid before the Sealeing and Deliv- 
ery hereof by the said Balthazar Van Cleake the receipt 
whereof they doe hereby acknowledge and thereof and 
therefrom and of and from every parte and parcell 
thereof they doe fully freely and clearly acquitt exon- 
erate and discharge the said Balthazer Van Cleake his 
heires Executors and Administrators. Have given 
granted bargained sold aliened Enfeoffed Conveijed 
assured and confirmed and doe by these presents give 
grant bargain sell aliene enfeoff convey assure and con- 
firm unto the said Balthazar Van Cleake his heires and 
assigns forever all them four lotts of Land which by 
Division and perticon aforesaid was allotted and grant- 
ed to the said Robert Sanders situate lying and being to 
the East of Hudson’s River and adjoining to the said 
River on the West end ; bounded on the North side by 
Mijardt Harmonson on the East by Land of Robert 
Sanders on the South side parte by Vacant or undivided 
Land and parte by the said Mijnardt Harmenson being 


57 


divided into four parcells or Lotts the which now is or 
lately hath been in the Tenure possession and occupation 
of Mijnardt Harmens, Balthazar Barnse, Hendrick Os- 
troom and Symon Scoute, The first three Lotts fronting 
West to Hudson River aforesaid containes in breadth 
ffront and Rear sixty-eight Rood and three foot stretch- 
ing East to the fourth Lott herein before mentioned 
which said fourth Lott stretcheth cross the other three 
North and South and contains in breadth two hundred 
Rood and in length one hundred and sixty-eight Rood 
all English measure containing and amounting in all to 

H be it more or less together with privilidge 

of Commons belonging to the said patent (that is to say) 
the dividend thereof proportionable to the Quantitij of 
Land hereby granted and the House Barne Woods un- 
derwoods Timber Trees swamps Marches Meadowes 
Quaries Rivers Riveletts falls runs waters water Cours- 
es Lakes ponds fishing Hunting Hawking fowling 
mines mineralls (silver and gold mines excepted) within 
the limits and bounds of the said Granted Land and 
premises and all other Royalties profits Commoditijes 
and Heriditaments to the Quantitij of Land hereby 
granted belonging or in any wise appertaining and the 
reversion and reversions remainder and remainders 
rents Issues and profits of the same and all the Estate 
right Title property possession claim and demand what- 
soever of them the said Robert Sanders and Alice his 
said wife of in or to the same or of into or out of all or 
any parte or parcell thereof. 

To have and to hold the said four Lotts or parcells of 
Ground house and Barn with the right and privelidge 
of Comanage to the said parcell of Land belonging and 
all and singular other the Premises herein before grant- 
ed with the Appurtenances and every parte and parcell 


58 


thereof unto him the said Bathazer Van Cleake his 
heires and assigns To the sole and onely proper use be- 
hoof and benefitt of him the said Bathazar Van Cleake 
his heires and assigns for Ever ijielding and paijing 
Ijearely his proportion of the Quit rent in the said 
Patent reserved, and the said Robert Sanders and Alice 
his wife for themselves their heires Executors and ad- 
ministrators doe Covenant promise and grant to and with 
the said Bathazer Van Cleake his heires and assigns by 
these Presents that he the said Bathazar Van Cleake his 
heires and assigns and every of them shall and may at 
all times and from time to time forever hereafter peace- 
ably and Quietly have hold use and enjoij all and singu- 
lar the said parcell of Ground house Barn and all 
other the premises with the appurtenances according to 
the True meaning hereof without any Let suite trouble 
or charge what soever of or by the said Robert Sanders 
and Alice his Wife their heires or assigns or any other 
person or persons whatsoever And that the said Robert 
Sanders and Alice his Wife their heires and assigns and 
all and every other Person and Persons any Estate right 
title use or demand haveing or lawfully claiming or 
which at any time hereafter shall or may have or law- 
fully claim into or out of the said premises hereinbefore 
granted or anij parte thereof bij from or under the 
said Robert Sanders and Alice his Wife shall and will 
at anij time hereafter dureing the space of seven whole 
ijeares now next following after the date hereof at the 
reasonable request Cost and Charges in the Law of him 
the said Bathazer Van Cleake his heires or assigns Doe 
make acknowledge execute and suffer or cause and pro- 
cure to be done made acknowledged executed and suf- 
ferred all and every such further and other act and acts 
lawfull and reasonable assurance and assurances in the 


59 


Law whatsoever for the further and better assurance 
saretij and sure making and Conveijeing of all the said 
Granted premises with the appurtenances unto the said 
Balthazer Van Cleake his heires and assigns according 
to the true intent and meaning hereof as by the said 
Bathazer Van Cleake his heires or assigns or by his or 
their Councill learned in the Law in that behalf shall 
be reasonably devised advised or required. In Witness 
Whereof the Partijes first menconed in these Presents 
have hereunto set their hands and Seales the Day and 
Ijeare first above written Robert (L. S.) Sanders, Elsie 
(L. S.) Sanders. Signed Sealed and Delivered in the 
presence of us Landlhersobafon ijacob fredrijck son 
blom, Thomas Sanderse, Wm. Huddleston, New York 
the sixth of June Anoq Dmo 1697. Then appeared 
before me, John Lawrence Esqr, one of his Majestije’s 
Council and one of the Justices of the Supreme Court 
for the Province of New York the within menconed 
Robert Sanders and Alice his Wife and acknowledged 
the within written Jnstrument to be their and each of 
their Yolun tar ij act and Deeds acknowledged before me. 

John Lawrence. 

In the preceding Deed recorded at the request of 
Robert Leake Esqr page 531 line 30 the word and and 
line 33 the Word sixty wrote on Razures : 

Examined this 26th April 1768. 

Geo. Banijar D secrij.” 


See Vol. 17 of Deeds, Secretary of State’s office, Albany, p. 533. 



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